Beyond The Gates Transcript
Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane
THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!
[door opens]
Chelsea: Gran. Chelsea? Not that you need an excuse to visit, but I thought you and your mother were finalizing the fashion show today. I know Dani’s just bursting about it. Yeah, about that.
Waiter: Mrs. Dupree.
Oh.
Good morning. May I suggest our elderberry bellini? Um… just an orange juice to start. You got it. On second thought, maybe a splash of vodka.
One screwdriver coming up.
Thank you. [phone vibrating] Hello, Pamela. Are you kidding? Without you, I could have been discovered in the newlyweds’ living room like freaking Goldilocks. Actually, we didn’t get away with it. Hayley stormed into my place and totally went off. Broke one of my picture frames like I broke hers. To be honest, it shook me. I would have called, but I found a… rather muscular shoulder to cry on. Oh, I got to go. Daddy just got here. Bye. Mm! It’s a nice surprise. What brings you here? Mm, breakfast with your mother. Yeah. Glad I ran into you, sweetheart. I want to talk with you about Bill and Hayley.
Bill.
Oh, hey, Mike. Here are the case files, complete with precedent rulings and relevant statutes. Always above and beyond, Tomas. You know, why don’t you sit in with us while we discuss it? Uh, I thought you might want to review Pender v. Harrison,too, since it’s on point.
It’s there on the bottom.
[Mike laughs] Speaking of bottoms, have you heard the one about the virgin, the prostitute and the stripper? [Mike laughs] Good morning, ladies. Please sit. Naomi, we want to start by thanking you for taking the time to meet with us again.
Of course.
We know how busy you must be.
Carrie: So we’ll make this quick. We’re here to tell you that your services are no longer needed. Just forget we ever asked. You don’t like the way your mother’s producing the fashion show, and you want more input. Kind of the opposite. Can you take a look at something? Oh, this is gorgeous. Obviously couture by the looks of it, but I don’t recognize the designer. It’s a Chelsea Dupree original. I designed it, and Kat’s gonna help me sell it. You created this? For our new company. And the purse is just the start. We want to expand into a fashion house on the levels of Telfar and Brandon Blackwood with me designing every piece and Kat bringing in the business. Well, wouldn’t that be difficult to juggle with the modeling? Oh. And your mother doesn’t know. Bill and Hayley who? Nice try, but I know it’s impossible to forget about them. And I will never, never forgive that man for putting you through the wringer. And then I did the same thing to you and Mom. Brought drama to the wedding, the arrest. Suffice it to say… you’ve been a handful lately, as always. But you’re my handful. Know that I’m here for you, baby. Proud and duty-bound to care for my girls. And the next generation, too. [pounds desk] Martin? Babe, tell me what’s wrong. The prostitute says to the virgin and the stripper, “Oh, you don’t want to compare poles.” [laughs] And then, and then there’s the one… Okay, that-that’s enough, Mike, okay? Come on, man, we talked about this. You’re the human definition of NSFW. What’s that?
Tomas and Bill: “Not safe for work.” It’s a joke. Okay, then you’re fortunate that none of the female partners, associates and paralegals were around to find it not funny. We realized, belatedly, it was a massive overstep asking you to represent us. Yeah, it’s public knowledge that things between you and your father aren’t copacetic. But still, he’s your dad. And the lawsuit? Oh, we still intend to make those creeps pay, even if it takes us a minute to find representation. We figured, when you didn’t get back to us, you had doubts. I did. Um… I had a tough time with this decision. See, I told you. Until I realized I not only know how my dad works, I know how to take his firm down. I’m yours, if you’ll have me. I know I sound like an ungrateful, spoiled brat, and there are a million girls who would kill to take my place on the runway. I only care about my granddaughter. But, Chelsea, I-I’ve seen you doodling. But how did it go from portrait sketches on the fridge to this level of talent without me knowing about it? Remember how mom says I used to pull clothes into my stroller when I was a baby? [laughs] Yes, your model origin story. Well, we both thought it was in my fate to follow in her high heels. But along the way, I became much more interested in how the clothes are made. That’s what got me hyped, the designers’ process. Vision, brand identity, creation, even production. Business plan not so much, but Kat’s got that on lock. And when I showed her some of my sketches, she was all in on making my dream, our dream. Kat would leave her father’s practice? Well, Uncle Ted always knew she wanted her own business, so at least he’ll be thrilled about that. And we started working on prototypes months ago. And then, all of a sudden, it was more than just a dream. Which means that I have to be real with Mom. I just really don’t know how. Well, tell her like you told me. When her whole identity is wrapped up in being my momager? It’s like I’m ripping the runway right out from under her, Gran. And I’m her last connection to that world. Listen, sweetheart. My mother almost lost her mind when I told her that I was going to tour the country with the Articulettes. Really? And your grandfather and I did not want Dani to go to New York to be a model. You will be the third generation of Dupree women striking out on her own. And I’m all for that. So, you just better name a bag after me.
The Anita does have a nice ring to it.
Mm-hmm. So, if your mother has a dynamic reaction…
She will.
…we will all be here to bring her back down to earth. Now, give your grandmother a hug and show me some more of these designs.
[laughs]
Okay. Can we just hold off on show and tell for now? I need to face Mom before I lose my nerve. You got this. Chelsea Dupree is made of formidable stuff. [chuckles] Trouble is, so is Mom. Sorry, Daddy, I got to motor. I don’t want to be late for the charity event planners. So proud of you. All those years, you helped Bill to build his legacy, and now you’re building yours with your daughter. It’s like you turned your light back on. How do you always know exactly what I need to hear? Years of practice. [laughs] I love you. I will see you in a bit. Love you. Good morning, Senator Dupree. What can I get you? Just coffee to start, Ford. Mrs. Dupree will be joining me momentarily. Sounds good. I’ll be right back with your coffee and menus. Mm. Don’t mind if I do. DANI: Whoops. I forgot my OJ. Mmm. Fresh squeezed. See you, Daddy. Love to Mommy. These blurry eyes come from staying up late working on the child tax bill. I can’t get the numbers to add up right. Don’t say that around Tyrell. He’ll take it as permission. They’re changing every day. And… I know how dedicated you are to your constituents, but I don’t want you to miss time with the ones who love you most. I just need to get through this critical time, and then I’ll be golden. You have the district in the palm of your hand, Congressman. [scoffs] Yes, but I can’t rest on my laurels. It’s imperative that I grow my base. If not, I’m just standing still. You don’t have an election this year. You almost sound like you’re ready to run for higher office. I may not be a senator any longer, but I am still on top of everything, and I mean everything, political in this town. Especially if it involves a certain bored congressman who’s itching to blow up. By that I mean run for president.
ANITA: Sorry I’m late.
Ah. Is it possible that you’re even more stunning than when I left you this morning? [chuckles] Charmer. Actually, Chelsea stopped by. She was on her way here to meet Dani, and she wanted some advice from me. I had a few minutes with Dani. How does she seem? Didn’t you see her on the way in? Just a wave.
She was busy.
Oh. Well, this time with Bill has left quite the aftertaste. True, but was she open, receptive or…? Well, for the first time in a long time, her energy was not just flailing around in reaction to Bill. She was focused on Chelsea and this show. Never thought I’d say this, but thank goodness for fashion. This show and our granddaughter might just… Vernon, I’m gonna stop you there. ‘Cause I’m about to burst your balloon. Well, Chelsea is on model time, but she’s just as excited as I am to dive in. Well, while we wait, we can bow down to you for that wedding performance. Performance? JONATHAN: You were always this mysterious, untouchable aspiration. Then when you shot up that wedding with your feelings raw and your pain on display, you did it all looking fabulous. You shot your way right into our hearts. Dani Dupree is brat. And that live stream was fire. And taking out those flowers?
Fierce.
So fierce. They totally deserved it. The flowers or Bill and Hayley? Julia and Jonathan: Both. [laughter] Well, as I said at the press conference, I do regret my actions. But from a brand perspective, I find your take informative and uplifting. Tell me more. So, ladies, will I have the honor of representing you? Can you be a shark? Because anything less isn’t good enough. Well, I’ve seen Jaws a trillion times. It’s my dad’s favorite film. And he identified with the shark, not the innocent people, right? Sorry, we shouldn’t pile on your dad. No. No, no, no. My dad deserves every bit of derision he gets. And I will use everything I know about him to take him and the firm on. Because I believe you were wrongly fired and you deserve damages. There’s no doubt or hesitation? You see, sexual harassment claims can be extraordinarily brutal. You will have to each go into explicit detail about what Mike said and did to you.
Carrie: We get that. And they will dissect everything. Your wardrobes, your social media presence, your personal relationships, and it’s not fair. It’s not fair, but it’s where we are. We get that, too. We’re ready. In addition, the hostile work environment claim requires that you prove that the firm itself had knowledge of Mike Davis’s actions and that they either looked the other way or punished you for speaking up about that harassment. And I know it wasn’t easy telling your story, but that’ll be a cakewalk compared to what it’ll be like in front of a jury, the press and the Hamilton legal team. Wait, wait, so you’re saying your dad will be named a defendant, too? Under the letter of the law, I have no choice. I have to go after him. I held a work dinner at a place where the sushi bar was a conveyor belt of naked models. Okay. Mike… Relax, Bill. I’ll be safe for work from here on out. Tomas and I will, uh, save our sushi for off the clock, huh? Leave me out of this, please.
Bill: Look, look, hey. What you do outside of billable hours is not my problem, all right? But D.C. is a big, small town, and I don’t want to see any blind items about this law firm’s aging bad boy. Says the man whose shot-up wedding was just live streamed on every device in the country. Okay, look, I’m not trying to take the moral high ground here, Mike. I’m just being practical. I can be a very good boy. Of course, there are some women who were put on this earth, and sometimes in this very office, that can test a man’s resolve.
Like the new Mrs. Hamilton.
Hey, hey, hey. You keep Hayley’s name out your mouth, partner. All right? You say one more untoward remark about my wife, you’re gonna find yourself on the other side of that window dangling by your ankles. And I might lose my grip. And your ex, who replaced champagne with light beer and invited you to watch it? Okay, that’s what I’m talking about. Can I employ you two indefinitely? Oh, Chelsea bear, there you are. I was just getting to know Jonathan and Julia. They’re my new besties. I’m such a fan. Like, you’re so authentic.
Thank you.
Okay, down to business. Now, I have the specs for the runway, but I think we might want to go with a more unifying theme, especially if we want the Silas Ryker dress from the Smithsonian as our showstopper. I’m thinking for the other pieces, we can lean into the, uh, First-Gen Grant foundation, our family, fashion through time, you know, leaning into the sort of the retro meets now… While it seems Chelsea has… given her plans a lot of thought, Martin is rushing headfirst into danger. Anita… …he-he wants to run for president. No. Oh, no, Vernon. Not now, not ever. We talked about him leaving politics entirely when all of this began. But his abrupt resignation would have brought suspicion. If he were to run for higher office, he’d face another round of vetting. The scrutiny. Our boy’s secret is so explosive, it could decimate his life. Forget about political ambitions. There’d be no… no shielding Smitty and the kids from the fallout. They’d be collateral damage. Ted and Nicole raised Martin to be who he wanted, and we encouraged him every step of the way. He was our golden boy. We should have added a caveat. Never make a mistake. So how does he plan to pull this off? Martin thinks he’s diligent enough to keep his secret hidden. In this day and age? Nothing is off-limits or cannot be uncovered. You can’t walk down the street with your dog off-leash without the press getting wind of it. How could he be so naïve? Or arrogant? Well, now, I wonder where he got that from. All the more reason that I should be the one to head him off, before it’s too late. [Smitty sighs] I try to give you the CliffsNotes as much as I can, but Samantha notices if you get the name of the boy she likes wrong. And Tyrell needs to know that you know which test he got a “B” in. All important in the here and the now. But for their future, I want to make moves that my kids are proud of. Make you proud. What are you trying to say? Relax. I’m not revving up for anything at the present.
Okay?
Okay. And since, as you say, it’s a critical time for the kids, maybe you should hold off on returning to work for a little bit. Mm-mm. No. No, we agreed that we wanted the kids to have two parents who are fulfilled. Yes, and I should have been on board sooner. I couldn’t have made it this far without you on my side, Smitty. And when I think about politics and serving our country, I think of it as our dream.
Not just mine.
It is our dream. But writing is a piece of me, too. One that I put aside for way too long. I get that. I’ve been thinking maybe fear stops change. But it won’t stop us anymore. We’re gonna get everything that we want in the present and in the future. You know, it is very sexy when you agree with me. I’ll have to remember that. [phone vibrating] Mm.
[sighs]
Do you have to? Ah, take it. VERNON: Hi, Martin. I’m here with your grandmother, and we’re hoping you can join us at the club. I’d love to have breakfast with my two favorite grandparents, but I’m wrapping up the tax bill and some other pressing matters. Son, this isn’t a request. We’ll see you as soon as you get here. Does Vernon want you to drop everything and meet him? That’s weird. I thought he was just as anxious to finish the tax bill as you were. You know Granddad. It’s probably just family business. I should change. [sighs] [chuckles]: You should see your face. I would never hit on Hayley. It was just getting as heavy as one of those mandatory HR seminars. Had to lighten the mood. Well, you failed epically. No disrespect, partner, but I’d think a guy who fell for his new wife in the office would see the irony in you schooling me on what’s appropriate in the workplace. No offense. I was just feeling nostalgic for the old Bill. But… [stammers] …I know young love will make you feel whi– …sensitive. I’ll leave you guys to this. Sorry about that. If Mike didn’t have so many wins in court, I’d buy him out yesterday. And for the record, I’m not sensitive. You’re a man in love. And it’s not my place to say what Mike is. [chuckles] Out of line is what he is. I normally can put Mike in his place without breaking a sweat, but when he went for Hayley, patience took a hike. I won’t stand by and let him or anyone else disrespect her. Nor should you. Pender v. Harrison. What is it? Naomi and I used to try this case over dinner. How’d that work out? I, you know, outlined the specifics, then I challenged her to argue against me, and she was brilliant. Who won? Well, we’re still debating about that. [laughs] I mean, that’s– Or we used to. Look, it’s just… I don’t know, just– Naomi and Chelsea. [sighs] I never would’ve imagined being this distant from them. Any shot at reconciliation? Well, yeah, sometimes I see a glimmer of hope with Chelsea, but Naomi? I think I lost her. As we discussed, Bill Hamilton will be named as a co-plaintiff on the hostile workplace charge. And Mike Davis will be named alone in the sexual harassment charge. Yes, that’s correct. Are we ready to proceed? Naomi, are you really prepared to go all wrecking ball on Bill? If you do this for us, the consequences for the relationship with your father could be dire. Only if we win. And I assure you, we will. You know, I thought time would heal the rift between Naomi and me, but it’s taking too damn long. And if I don’t do something to mitigate this, then hating her father could be… I don’t know, it could become a habit. Have you tried talking to her? Yeah. Shut me down right before the wedding. Told me I’m dead to her. Ouch. That’s wild. I mean, seeing how Naomi was with you before everything went down, she used to look up to you like you were some kind of lawyer god. Yeah. Man, when she took the LSATs, enrolled in law school, mentally I was already adding another Hamilton to the shingle. I always wondered why she never took her place here as the heir apparent. I just figured she didn’t want to be in your impressive shadow. No, Naomi’s not the least bit intimidated by me. But she got disillusioned with me before either of us met Hayley. About what? Ah, doesn’t matter. Yeah, I thought she’d get past it once she started her own firm and saw a little more of the way the world and the law worked. Then came Hayley.
I wish I could help.
[chuckles] Yeah, nice offer, but it’s gonna take a lot of maneuvering to get back into my girls’ good graces. At least you haven’t given up. Have you met me? Come on. Get out of here and get back to work. Those billable hours won’t rack up by themselves. Yes, sir. [door closes] [sighs] I want to make things right with you and your sister. That’s why I came looking for you. To at least make a start at getting us back on track. Look, I’m not interested in your justifications for what’s inexcusable. As a matter of fact, I’m not interested in anything you have to say. As far as I’m concerned, my father is dead. What’s our next move? I already made it. I took the liberty of drawing up the complaint. [Naomi clears throat] I’ve drafted so many of these, but I’ve never seen one with my name on it. It hits different. Makes it more real. But nothing is official until the papers are served, which I can do right now with your permission. You’ve got it. Can we ride along? I would kill to see Mike’s smug face fall. No, you can’t. [laughs] But I do need a verbal affirmation from each of you. Yes, please. Yes, but there’s one other thing.
About your fee.
Oh. I’m taking this case on contingency. So you won’t make a cent until we do? When we’re done, you’ll have more money than you’ll know what to do with. What about you, Stefania? Am I doing this? We want more than money. We want justice. And we want it to be loud. Loud enough so it doesn’t happen to anyone else. I want that, too. Well, Counselor, you’re hired. Okay. I’ll get this paper served. Thank you, Naomi. Of course. Thank you, ladies.
We’ll speak soon.
Yeah.
Thank you.
Take care. [sighs heavily] He can’t make it an hour without this.
Good morning.
Grandmother. Who died? Your career. If you even think about running for the presidency. You told her. Your grandmother and I have no secrets from each other. What do you plan to do if this all were to come out? I can control the flow of the information. Your information, yes. But not the dirt that your opponents will spend millions to dig up. And need we remind you there are people who know your secret, and at least one of them cannot be trusted? Martin, you have the benefit of our experience. Heed it. You need to let this thing go before it’s too late. We will definitely see you again.
Yes.
Cannot wait to work with you.
Aw, thanks.
[laughter] Bye. Wow, Mom, you’ve really killed this. And landing Jonathan and Julia? They’ve been the hottest planners in the game since that California Royals party. Well, we are way behind schedule. The designers seem to think they have months to get these outfits together. Media’s all over me.
And I’m loving every minute.
[laughs] I feel like a new woman. Well, I’m glad you’ve turned your life around. And now it’s your turn, baby. What do you mean? You think I don’t know how important it is for you to put your name on something you can be proud of? Expanding your brand so you can join the billionaire girls club? So you know?
I do.
[exhales] And that is why I have negotiated this contract for you. You will be the face of the fashion show for the next three years, ironclad and binding. I love you so much, baby. [phone ringing] Yes, Caroline? Who is it? Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Put her through. Hayley. Hey, darling. What’s wrong? Mm-hmm. Uh, yeah, okay. I’m sure that’s the perfect piece for our bedroom, but you don’t have to check in with me every time you buy something, baby. That’s why, that’s why I gave you the card. Okay. All right. Well, you’re the moon and stars to me, baby. Okay? All right. All right. Love you, too. I have a dream, and you two are the ones who gave it to me, even more so than my parents. And now you’re instructing me to be satisfied, sit back and settle being congressman? Leave it at that?
Son…
No, Granddad. You ran for senator, and you won. And I thought the idea was for every generation to achieve more than the one before. And you still can. Uh, Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa, Greta Thunberg, John Lewis, and that great man you’re named after. What is that list? Men and women who have had an impact on the world that is the same or even greater than that of the Oval Office. Oh, I see. This is your famous carrot and stick trick. Offer the loser something else, and then convince him it’s better than the thing he really wants. You can still do work that is consequential, Martin. There are causes that are screaming for attention, from criminal justice to ending poverty, without sitting in that office. A foundation might be a good place to start.
And we can certainly support that.
MARTIN: Mm-hmm. Throw money at the problem, since now I’m the problem. That’s not what we’re saying. No, what you’re saying is I’m not presidential material. After a lifetime of teaching me to reach for the sky, now you’re knocking me down once it’s in sight. Naomi. Hey. C-Come in, come in. I’ll have Caroline make you a latte. Have a seat. I’m good. Okay. You know, sit, stand. I’m just glad you came. I assume you got my text.
Dad…
Hey, listen, baby, I know it’s gonna take a lot more than that to fix everything that’s broken between us, but I want you to know I’m all in on making it up to you and Chelsea. I mean, you girls… …you’ve always been my heart. I believe you when you say that. And that you mean it, too, when you just said to Hayley that she’s the moon and the stars. [chuckles softly] Hayley’s my wife now. And, yes, I love her. But that’s… that’s completely different and separate from the love I have for you. Right. [clears throat] Sweetheart. You’re my firstborn. My heart nearly burst open the first time I held you. And now… now to see you grow up into this strong and astute lawyer just makes me love you even more now. You’re a part of me, the best part, Naomi. Can’t you just be honest and admit you still love your old man? Huh? Can we start there? I mean, otherwise, what are you doing here? Tomas, I’m in the middle of something here. I’m sorry, Bill, this can’t wait. We have a problem. That’s enough, Martin. Remember where you are. I’m in the world you gave me. And it would’ve meant everything to me to have your blessing. But don’t worry, you can still sleep in the Lincoln bedroom when you come visit. I will forever honor you both. Even if you don’t believe in me. Martin. [sighs]: Well… that went well. [scoffs softly] Where is that damn thing? Looking for this? Oh, thank goodness. My whole life is in that damn phone. I know. That’s why I went to the club to deliver it to you. We must have just missed each other. Yeah. Apparently, I did miss something. Now who’s withholding career plans, Mr. President? I already had the lawyers take a look. It’s all standard. Three years guaranteed as the headliner. And all you have to do is sign. I can’t. I’m done with modeling. Bill Hamilton? Yes. You’ve been served. Who’d have the nerve to pull this crap? I thought you came to reconcile. And you’re suing me?
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